Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act to help protect agriculture

WASHINGTON – The House recently passed by voice vote the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (S. 3880). Sponsored by Sen. James Inhofe and Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the bill amends the Animal Enterprise Act of 1992.Passed in Senate. The Senate passed this bill by unanimous consent in September, just prior to the Congressional recess. A similar bill, H.R. 4239, was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Tom Petri. The Senate version of the bill will now be sent to the president. The Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act clarifies that it is a crime to damage or interfere with a legitimate, legal animal enterprise. As defined by the bill, “animal enterprise” includes commercial and academic enterprises that use or sell animals or animal products for profit, food, agriculture, education, research and testing.Also protected. This definition also includes equine activities such as rodeo, horse shows and similar lawful equine events. The bill expands the monetary and criminal penalties for these crimes and requires restitution for certain economic losses. The bill contains a provision noting that this bill does not prohibit expressive conduct (including picketing or other peaceful demonstration), which is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution.Find out more. For information, contact the American Horse Council at 202-296-4031.